Radix Supports Geographical Awareness With Integrated GPS Technology

In the modern competitive world, the effective management of assets and resources is critical to business success. Central to the drive to reduce operational cost and improve efficiency is an accurate understanding of exactly what resources are available to an organisation, together with the condition, availability and capability of each.

Thats why over 80% of management information has a spatial component, and thats why Radix Micro Devices is working hard to continually support its business partners in delivering solutions that are able to empower back office GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

For many years, mobility solutions have included software capability to record details of geographic location, whether thats a street address to identify the location of a water meter, or perhaps a barcode read from a street light that (when coupled with back office database records) identifies its position.

However, many Radix users find themselves working in environments where the identification of their exact current location is unclear; for example utility infrastructure workers inspecting the condition of overhead lines in open moor land, or parking Attendants serving fixed penalty notices in dense urban areas.

Further to this, real time location technology has become a powerful tool in remote workforce management; not only helping organisations to understand where their personnel are working, but also empowering them to dynamically re-allocate resources to jobs through an improved knowledge base.

For these reasons, Radix Micro Devices offer a version of the FW700 rugged handheld computer with an integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) option. The GPS component enables the user to interpret their exact position, or automatically record latitude/longitude co-ordinates of their current position, or the asset, which they are working on for synchronisation with a central GIS system.

Where the GPS option is used alongside a Radix integrated GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) data modem, the solution may include real-time location data synchronisation. This means that central controllers may view details of the asset on a central map-based system, almost in real time.

In addition, the GPS/GPRS combination provides organisations with an opportunity to implement real time tracking of resources; location data is interpreted by the integral GPS receiver and transmitted across the GPRS data network to a central location where management can make informed decisions regarding resource deployment.

Perhaps most importantly, tracking capability provides powerful personal safety for remote workers. Applications may be configured to include a panic button which, when pressed, records the workers location and sends an alarm message across the network to a control room where instant supportive action may be triggered.

Some applications provide the worker with a dead mans button facility (named after the dead mans brakes installed on trains which automatically apply the trains brakes if the driver removes his feet from a foot pedal). This system works by sending an emergency alert message with location information if a worker has not pressed the dead mans button within a pre-determined time. An example of this could be a vulnerable Parking Attendant or Meter Reader working alone in a known potentially hostile area.

In summary, the applications for positioning technology are considerable, whether these are related to public and personal safety, asset management or resource control and scheduling. Radixs role is to create an opportunity for organisations to derive benefit from the technology in some way, and that is exactly what the FW700/GPS solution can deliver.

Radix has strategic relationships with a global network of system integrators. These vertical market partners are able to provide integrated mobile computing solutions tailored to the needs of individual customers. Radix and its partners provide ultra rugged mobile computing solutions for demanding environments. With proven technical expertise in the design and manufacture of sophisticated yet durable mobile computers, Radix is perfectly positioned as the partner of choice for organisations implementing mission critical mobility solutions.

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